May 13-17 is National Prevention Week and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition (PCDFC) and the Brandon Whitten Institute for Addiction and Recovery at East Central University are encouraging everyone to take an active interest in the welfare of the state’s young people.

That welfare is especially critical when it involves activities that could be risky, harmful or even deadly.

Clarissa Willis, Ph.D, an author, consultant and professional development specialist, will present “Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder” on Saturday, May 18, at East Central University’s Estep Multimedia Center inside the Bill S. Cole University Center.

R. Alan Marcum, executive vice president for administration at Devon Energy, will address graduating East Central University students during commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the Kerr Activities Center.

Twenty-one intersession classes are being offered through East Central University in Ada, beginning May 13 as an opportunity to earn three credit hours in one week rather than the traditional 18-week semester.

East Central University's mission is to foster a learning environment in which students, faculty, staff, and communityinteract to educate students for life in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society. Within its service area,East Central University provides leadership for economic development and cultural enhancement.